What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
River Lady
Review
About
Travellers' Choice
2024
River Lady is the only true stern-wheeler in the state of NJ. She is an elegant, award-winning icon of the Jersey shore, and sails rain or shine, Tuesday through Saturday from May to September, and on a more limited schedule into October. Mondays are available for private cruises, for larger groups. The lunch cruise features a historical commentary by the captain, while you enjoy a delicious three course, sit down meal. During the dinner cruise, we witness some spectacular sunsets, and Saturday night we offer a dinner/dance cruise. Passengers have their choice of the main deck which is climate-controlled, or the upper deck which is covered, but open to the fresh air, and offers a great view of the beautiful Toms River and Barnegat Bay. Whatever you're celebrating, River Lady is the perfect venue for your event. Private cruises are available for parties of 50 to 150.
Features
CUISINES
Italian, American
Meal types
Lunch, Dinner
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
FEATURES
Accepts Credit Cards
American Express
Discover
Gift Cards Available
Mastercard
Non-smoking restaurants
Outdoor Seating
Parking Available
Reservations
Seating
Serves Alcohol
Table Service
Visa
Waterfront
Wheelchair Accessible
Wine and Beer
Location
Parking Available
Can a gluten free person get a good meal at this restaurant?
Save this restaurant
Hours
Closed now
• Opens at 9:00 AM
Sunday
Closed
Monday
8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Tuesday
8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Wednesday
8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Thursday
8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Friday
8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Saturday
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Contribute
4.8
754 reviews
Excellent
625
Very good
108
Average
17
Poor
3
Terrible
1
Sanford L
1 contribution
Aug 2024 • couples
Staff were very polite and professional. Cruise was very enjoyable and worthwhile. The only negative was that we were told there would be snacks on board for those not purchasing a meal.
The only snacks available were tiny bags of chips or pretzels. Would help to have something more substantial for a 2.5 hour trip, like fruit and packaged pastry. Also, could not even buy a cup of coffee until people on the lower deck finished their meal, which was over an hour into the cruise.
Written 30 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Barbara Cascio
Thank you feedback.
Written 3 September 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
HSR112
Hillsborough222 contributions
Jul 2023 • couples
My husband and I decided to celebrate our 37th wedding anniversary with a dinner cruise on the River Lady, and we were not disappointed! The captain was friendly and professional. We enjoyed his announcements about the different towns along the river and some history, but it wasn’t too much. The food was above average as to be expected, but it was still served on real dishes, and it was hot. There was only cheesecake for dessert, which I did not like so it would’ve been nice if they had a brownie or some thing else as an option. And if they took just a little bit of time to garnish the plate, it would’ve looked a little fancier. The ship is clean but a little dated with “grandma’s old curtains.” The chairs are comfortable. Sitting downstairs in the summer was really the way to go; Especially when you don’t know what the weather is going to be like. We were able to go upstairs whenever we wanted, They played decent music at a good volume and the tables were not on top of one another but spaced out nicely downstairs. Most of the tables were tables for six but they sat just the two of us there, so it was good that we didn’t have to share a table for our romantic dinner And there are windows everywhere from which to see the view. There is a bar menu but it’s not mixed drinks, just beer and wine and White Claw and champagne - but all of that is extra even soda and iced tea is extra. The service was friendly and accommodating. It was just the right duration of 2 1/2 hours. And we got to see a gorgeous sunset over the water since it was July. I would highly recommend this, and I hope to try one of their day excursions as well in the future.
Written 13 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Barbara Cascio
Thank you for taking the time to write us such a detailed review. We are so glad you celebrated your anniversary with us and are looking forward to seeing you again,
Written 19 July 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Carol L
1 contribution
Jul 2024 • solo
My husband and I are repeat customers of the River Lady Dinner Dance Cruise. We sometimes go twice in one season since my husband enjoys it so much. We always have a great time. The staff is attentive and friendly, food is always delicious and the DJ always provides great dance music.
Written 14 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RoadLessTravelledNJ
Trenton136 contributions
Jul 2024 • family
We went for July 4th Saturday lunch, very few guest on main level so we were able to spread out and relax. The salad, chicken Marsala and cheese cake were delish. Zayne our server was friendly and responsible. Can’t wait to return for our yearly trip.
Written 7 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Barbara Cascio
We're always happy to hear from satisfied customers. Thanks for taking the time to review us. We appreciate our faithful return passengers!
Written 12 July 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Anne L
1 contribution
Jun 2024 • family
I expected a pleasant evening with dinner on the cruise and got so much more! The staff were very pleasant and attentive, the food delicious, and the DJ absolutely made the evening special. Robby Wasabi got people up and dancing all night and provided a floor show with his own dancing.
Written 16 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Barbara Cascio
Sounds like a lot of fun! We're happy you enjoyed your evening aboard! Thanks so much for the review.
Written 26 June 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bill T
6 contributions
Sept 2024 • family
YES... The food was great (I had Salmon; wife had chicken Marsala) The staff was FANTASTIC, and the cruse was so smooth that if you didn't look out over the water you would not you are moving. We are just over 2 hours away if we were closer, it would be a few times a year thing as is it will probably be at least a once-a-year trip then we just get a room instead of driving home afterwards.
Written 18 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Barbara Cascio
We are so happy that you are joining our list of people who come back year after year! Thanks for the wonderful review. We look forward to seeing you again next season.
Written 2 October 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
charlie b
1 contribution
Jul 2022 • none
embarkation and disembakation was smooth as silk. Wonderful facilities, very pleasant staff and Captain Chambeau's hospitality was gracious as usual. This was my 3rd cruise on River Lady and it has never disapointed. The pricing is reasonable, dinner was served in a timely, courteous manner and the portions were fulfilling. The music was enjoyable and for those who like to dance; plenty of room on the dance floor.
Written 3 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Barbara C
We appreciate our customers that return year after year! We are so glad that you enjoyed your cruises - thanks for the kind words, and the 5 stars.
Written 26 July 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Andrea B
1 contribution
Aug 2023 • business
We visited the River Lady for a company outing on an Historic Lunch Cruise. From the moment I called to book our trip to the moment we left the boat, the entire staff was amazing! The Captain himself even took a big group picture for us at the end of the cruise. Everything was very organized with meal selections and everything went right on schedule. The staff was very accommodating and there were meal selections available for all of our different dietary restrictions. There were beautiful views the entire cruise, and it was overall an awesome experience!
Written 2 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Barbara Cascio
We’re happy when you’re happy! Thanks for taking the time to write us an outstanding review!
Written 9 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Navigate46026488740
Chicago3 contributions
Aug 2023 • family
Perfectly seated on the Upper Deck right by the paddle wheels on a sunny, mild noon cruise. We were amazed that we had so much in common with our table-mates, which made for lively conversations throughout the afternoon. Another happy coincidence was seeing the start of a sailboat race that started as we passed. then they passed us! Captain was knowledgeable and had interesting commentary on all aspects of the Tom's River coasts, both current and past history. Food was tasty and perfectly seasoned; the three of us ordered each of the three entrees, so we got to sample each. My salmon was awesome! I highly recommend the River Lady to anyone visiting Tom's River, NJ!
Written 9 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Barbara Cascio
We’re so happy you enjoyed cruising on River Lady. Thank you for taking the time to review us. I think you may have made a mistake by giving us 1 star each for value, service, food & atmosphere. We would really appreciate it if you would correct that. We hope to see you again if you’re in the area again.
Written 9 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I2069ODjulief
21 contributions
Aug 2023 • couples
This was a memorable experience thanks to our new friends Becky and David who sat at our table with us. I scheduled this trip for my husband and my anniversary, so was looking for a romantic evening at a table for two. If we were to go again I would book a table for two on the upper deck for a more romantic setting. We did not know that we would be seated with four other people (not exactly romantic) and I wish we had been told that upfront. However. we did have a great time with the couple next to us. They were such fun and great conversationalists so we felt lucky to have met them and shared the evening.
We sat in the enclosed section on the main deck which would not be my preference as you don’t get the full boating experience in the open air. So I would recommend the upper deck.
The food was delicious and the waitstaff was very attentive. The bar was limited to wine and beer which I did not realize ahead of time.
. It would be a perfect venue to celebrate a birthday with a group of people. The DJ took requests and people were dancing. All in all a great experience, but not a romantic one.
Written 18 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Skinnymini0327
Red Bank9 contributions
Jul 2022 • couples
As the title suggests, my husband and I, along with another couple had a great time on the cruise. The cruise is pretty much extremely full at all times, but we found availability on the lower deck, which in my opinion is just as nice. The captain greeted us on arrival and the servers were extremely polite. Dinner in my opinion wasn’t spectacular by any means, but it was edible. There was the choice of salmon with pesto sauce, plain salmon with no seasoning whatsoever, chicken franceses, and a pasta dish. I was pretty surprised they didn’t offer a meant selection to be honest, but it was fine by me. Cheesecake was offered for dessert and that was quite good. The DJ walked around to each table to get a list of music people wanted to hear and actually played request. Overall, I’d definitely recommend to anyone looking for a nice activity to do, but be warned. The age demographic is much older and appeasers to be of retirement age which showed in a lot of music selections.
Written 18 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Barbara C
We’re glad you had a great time. Thanks for the review.
Written 26 July 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
George B
1 contribution
Jun 2023 • family
On 13 June 2023 my wife and I enjoyed the Early Dinner Cruise on the Upper Deck. The salads, chicken francese and chicken marsala dinners, plus cheesecake desserts, were delicious. The weather provided smooth sailing with beautiful sunset views over the water. The wait staff were friendly and gracious. The Captain's comments, as we cruised the river, were informative and interesting. This was our second cruise in 6 years, and we highly recommend it!
Written 14 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Barbara Cascio
Thank you for cruising with us. We appreciate your taking the time to review us! We are happy when our passengers enjoy themselves.
Written 16 June 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Shari T
Point Pleasant3 contributions
Jul 2023 • friends
Such a fun night on the River Lady. Our social group scheduled a dinner cruise July 20 2023. The food was excellent, the staff great and the DJ played a wide variety of music. Lots of laughs and dancing. We plan to return again next year.
Written 21 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Barbara Cascio
Thank you! We look forward to seeing you again.
Written 1 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lori W
1 contribution
Jul 2024 • couples
This was the second time I was a passenger on The River Lady and I enjoyed it very much! The food was good. The wait staff was friendly and helpful, and the scenery was interesting to me especially since I live in Tom’s River and was able to see various places I’ve been to from the water point of view. I plan to do it again!
Written 31 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Barbara Cascio
The view from the water is quite amazing. We're so glad you enjoyed your time aboard River Lady, and look forward to seeing you again.
Written 16 August 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Katharine K
1 contribution
Sept 2021 • none
The Caption greeted us as we arrived and welcomed us aboard. As soon as we were seated one of the staff approached our table and offered us a cold drink. The staff was friendly and went above and beyond to make our trip one to remember. The food was exceptional and the interesting and educational facts and stories the Caption related to us as we cruised down the river were delightful.
I am looking forward to our next trip and highly recommend this trip to everyone visiting or living in Toms River it is well worth the money and time.
Written 12 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Barbara C
Thank you for taking time to review us. We are happy that you enjoyed your cruise and hope to see you again in the future!
Written 17 September 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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